Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-07-16
CORRESPONDENCE
NEW MEXICO.
GOLDEN, New MEXICO, }
July 18th, 1887, )
ED. INDEPENDENT.


call the attention of those who con-
template moving west, in order to
better their financial condition, to
some of the inducements and attrac-
tions offered by New Mexico. To
such, it is of course. matter of pr.
mary Importance that they should
know something about the relative
advantages of the different western
sections. To my mind it is ques-
ton of considerable doubt whether
the fertile wheat lands of Dakota and
the more northern territories would
ever reconcile or compensate West
Virginians or Maryianders, for the
abominable winters and everlasting
winds of those northern regions. 1t
seems to me those localities are best
suited for Danes, Sweeds, Norwe-
gians and the other nationalities of
northern Europe, by whom they are
so largely populated, than they are
for native Americans. | want to say
word concerning New Mexico. |
have lived here year and | know
what I am talking about. | will re-
fer to it's climatic and material adj
yantages. In the first place, New
Mexico has the mildest and most
equitable climate in America.-At
this point we are 5000 feet above the
sea, consequently, we have no ex-
tremes of high temperature. The
summers are cool and pleasant, the
moment the sun sinks behind the
western range, fires become luxury,
even in July and August, while a
pair of blankets are necessary all
through the summer months. The
past winter was constant success
sion of mild, bright, sunny, days, for
although the elevation is so high in
this part of the Rocky Mountain re-
gion, vet the southern latitude of
New Mexico tempers the severity Of
it's winters. Reports this spring from
the most northern territories, rela-
tive to the loss of cattle, give official
statements of 40 and SO per. cent,
while here in New Mexico the herds
suffered to the extent of 3 per. cent
One of the most delightful occu,
pations, as well as remunerative
source of income in this territory, is
the grape industry in the beautiful
Rio Grande Valley. The vineyards
there are rapidly assuming large pro-
portions and will prove serious COM
petitors to those of California. There
is no valid reason why the wines of
New Mexico should not acquire a
reputation equal to the vintages of
the Danube and the Rhine. All sorts
and kinds of fruits grow to perfect
ion in this favored locality, and this
valley is destined to become great
grape, wine and fruit center. This
valley is also one of the few locations
on the surface Of the earth where the
soil and climate are peculiarly adapt
ed to the growing and the curing of
the choicest raisins. A popularity
of the grapes grown in this valley is
that they contain at least 20 per.
cent more sugar than the same grap-
es grown in California, and as sugar
is essential in the grape for the pro-
duction of first class raisin, we
have it. When we take into consid-
GRAFTON the extremely limited extent
of the earth surface were raisins can
be produced, there would be no doubt
of continued good income from a
vineyard, that il is figured, will cost
in three years when it comes in bear
ing for 20 acres (paying $40 per.
acre. $l,l75, and the third year
from planting it should produce
about $4,000 pounds, which at the
rate grapes were selling at the vine
yards last season. cents per. pound
for muscats, there would be enough
and more to pay the whole outlay,
and when the vineyard comes into
full bearing of five or ten tons to the
acre, there would be an income that
would be big percentage on valu-
alton of $1,000 per. acre.
A man with $1,000 capital could
come to the Rio Grande Valley with
his family and purchasing 90 acres Of
irrigated land at from $40 to $50 per.
acre, set out ten of it in grapes and
easily support himself and family on
the other ten acres planted in the
small grains, Vegetables, and by the
aid of poultry, eggs, &c. AT the end
of three years he will have a vine
yard worth $500 per acre and capa.
bic of producing from five to seven
thousand dollars worth of wine per.
annum-a sum sufficient to keep any
family in luxury-besides all this he
will have the satisfaction of knowing